3~ Graduation Coaches Make a Difference 4~ Farewell Katherine Mitchell 5~ Black History Month 6~ Good News 7~ Career/Tech Month INSIDE THIS AEN:

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SCHOOLBUS

SAFETYBELT

STUDYBEGINSPhotography courtesy of SafeGuard. (c)2007 IMMI

In November of 2007, a grant ofnearly $316,000 was awarded to TheUniversity of Alabama’s UniversityTransportation Center to spearhead theresearch. JOE LIGHTSEY, director of pupiltransportation for the state departmentof education and study group member,said The University of Alabama hasextensive experience in dealing withmotor vehicle safety research which willbe an asset to the research.

Beginning this year, the study groupwill conduct a seat belt pilot study overthe next three years. A total of 12 newschool buses equipped with safety beltswill be distributed among 10 participatingschools systems. The University ofAlabama will produce an annual report

on the study and will ultimately producea comprehensive report at the end of thethird year. Lightsey said the study isobviously not looking for crash data (thestudy is not designed around that), butrather around other variables. Overall,the parameters of the study are going toinclude buckle up rates; parent, student,and driver attitudes on the usage of seatbelts; how safety belts affect capacity onbuses; and other variables concerning the

THIS YEAR, 10 SCHOOL SYSTEMS

WILL RECEIVE NEW BUSES

EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS

NOVEMBER 20, 2006 will stay etched in the memory of many across the state as one of the most horrific tragedies ever experienced onan Alabama school bus. On that seemingly normal afternoon in Huntsville, the unthinkable occurred when a bus carrying 43 students,lost control and plunged off an overpass onto the road below, killing four and injuring thirty-eight. Only one student was not injured.

Since that fateful day, the question of increased measures of safety on school buses, including safety belts, has been at the center ofattention for many school officials. In an effort to look into the use of lap/shoulder belts on a limited number of school buses throughoutthe state, GOVERNOR BOB RILEY formed a seven-member study group of educators and transportation experts.

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perception and use of safety belts onschool buses. In addition, the grantprovided aides on 6 of the 12 busespurchased. Part of the study will focus onthe effect a second adult or an aide on abus might have on seat belt usage.“The aide will function just like an aideon any other Alabama school bus. They’reon the bus to monitor student behavior,safety issues, and ensure safety belt usage.Other responsibilities of the aides onthese select buses will be determined byThe University of Alabama and the localschool system,” Lightsey said.

He said the responsibility of thestudy group is not to make a concretedecision on school busseat belts, but ratherto present findings tothe governor. “At thispoint there are norequirements of thestudy group to comeup with a recommendation at the end ofthe study as to whether or not Alabamashould mandate safety belts,” Lightseysaid. He said to maintain objectivity in

the study, it wasimportant that anoutside organizationconduct the pilotand present itsfindings withoutbias either for oragainst seat belts.On the subject ofwhether or not seatbelts are needed,Lightsey said thebest way to look atthe subject is in avery methodicaland research-oriented way. Hesaid the AlabamaState Departmentof Education (SDE)position has always

been that the introduction of seat beltson Alabama buses must be done in atotally objective manner with the primaryfocus on safety. BRAD HOLLEY, pupiltransportation administrator for the SDE,said one thing is certain: the bottom lineis providing the safest school busespossible for Alabama’s schoolchildren.

Some might ask, “If seatbelts keepyou safer in a car, wouldn’t it make sensethat the same is true for school buses?”To this, Lightsey said lighter, smallerschool buses that are made like regularpassenger vehicles do have seatbelts inthem. But comparing these smallerpassenger vehicles to a full-size school bus

is fundamentally wrong. He saideverything from the weight; high-back,padded seats for compartmentalization;to the fueling, braking, and lighting

systems in school buses makes itimpossible to compare relative safety ofseat belts for the two modes oftransportation.

“It’s not a question of whether ornot the SDE is for or against seatbelts –we’re for whatever is going to make itsafer for kids,” Holley said. “If that’sseatbelts – great; if not, we don’t wantthem on there.” Still, Lightsey and Holleyemphasize the safety and durability ofAlabama’s existing bus fleet – callingAlabama’s school buses the safest modeof student transportation. “Our positionis that school buses are very safe –extremely safe. They’re the safest way totransport kids anywhere,” Lightsey said.“School buses are built for safety.They’re not necessarily built for beauty orcomfort. They’re designed for safety fromthe ground up. The safety features on aschool bus create a passive protection.All kids have to do is get on the bus andsit down and they’re safe.” The selectionof the 12 buses purchased by the SDEfor this study took into considerationpreviously placed bus orders and evengeographical spread across the state.

“We were looking for a good crosssection of school systems that would giveus the data needed to apply the findingsstatewide. We picked school systems innumerous different areas of the state fromnorth to south, the wiregrass, the BlackBelt, and even city systems and countysystems. We tried to balance it out thebest we could,” Lightsey said. “But, the

primary factor indetermining whether aschool was selected or not(in most cases) was theschool systems thatalready had school buseson order.” It typically

takes six months to order a bus, so inorder to receive the buses for the studysooner, schools that had already orderedbuses were considered for selection.

“SCHOOL BUSES ARE BUILT FOR SAFETY FROM THE GROUND UP.

WHEN KIDS GET ON A SCHOOL BUS AND SIT DOWN, THEY’RE SAFE.”

> JOE LIGHTSEY, DIRECTOR OF PUPIL TRANSPORTATION

J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 8A L A B A M A E D U C A T I O N N E W S

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There will be no cost to the schoolsystems for the buses used in the study.The state will also pay for the cost of theaides on the buses. The seatbelt-equippedbuses will come brand new from themanufacturer. Lightsey said retrofittingolder buses is not cost effective and wouldundermine the structural integrity of thebus. “Retrofitting is something we wouldnot even discuss. We know that would beunsafe and the only way to make it safewould be cost prohibitive,” Lightsey said.“It would take $25,000 or more per busto retrofit an old bus with new safetybelt technology. I also doubt you couldfind a dealer or manufacturer that would

retrofit and certify an older bus.” Even so, the cost of buying new

school buses with seatbelts addsapproximately $12,000 to the $70,000currently spent per school bus inAlabama. Lightsey said an entire fleet ofnew buses with seatbelts would costapproximately $35 million statewide.Another consideration is fuel. Addingseatbelt reduces the seating capacity ofschool buses. This would impact the fuelneeded for the additional buses. In themidst of risingfuel costs,Lightsey saidAlabama is

spending over three times the money forfuel for school buses than it did just a fewyears ago. “We’re spending $40 million ayear now on fuel, where just four yearsago we were spending $13 million ayear,” Lightsey said.

Ultimately, the information will beprovided to the governor who willdetermine if the findings warrant goingto the legislature for further action on thematter. The pilot study will officiallybegin at the start of the 2008/09 school

year; however, the new buseswill be available and on theroad in February or March.

STUDENTS IN 26 SCHOOLS across the state began the schoolyear with the addition of a new coach. A coach whose one goal isnot to win any sporting event, but a coach whose sole purpose isto help students win in the classroom by keeping them in school.The Graduation Coach Pilot Program (formerly DropoutPrevention Advisors) is one of two state-funded programsimplemented during the current school year to help decrease thenumber of students who drop out of school and increase thenumber of students who graduate. The other pilot program isPreparing Alabama Students for Success (PASS) and is gearedtoward students in Grades 6 through 12, while the GraduationCoach Program is aimed at students in Grades 9 through 12.

The graduation coaches were employed and trained, and theprogram was implemented within three months, and alreadyeducators say they are seeing a difference.

“I am already seeing a decline in our number of dropouts. I think the graduation coach is helping to keep students frommaking a rash decision in one or two days that is going to affectthem the rest of their lives,” said JACQUELINE KELLEY, CarrollHigh School Principal (Ozark City School System). “I believethe program has already made a difference. If one kid stays in school, then I feel I have made a difference. I know for

sure that I have at least two students that would have been gone by now if it had not been for this position,” said VALERIE SCHROEDER, Jemison High Graduation Coach (Chilton County School System).

Twenty-six schools in Alabama were identified in Septemberfor implementation of the pilot program. All schools with anycombination of Grades 9 through 12 and a graduation ratelower than 95 percent during the 2006-07 school year wereeligible to compete for more than $1.7 million in state grants.The graduation coach is not a teacher during the day, but ratherhe/she works with school personnel, families, the community,and other agencies to ensure student success.

Carroll High School Graduation Coach RACHEL WALKER

says her social services background and her age definitely are bigpluses in her communication with students. “One of the mainreasons I decided to become a graduation coach is because I canrelate to the youth of today,” said Walker. “At one time I wasthat troubled youth, so I know what they are going through.”

“The networking among these 26 graduation coaches hasbeen phenomenal. They communicate with each other, shareideas, and encourage each other,” said SUE ADAMS, Director ofPrevention and Support Services with the Alabama Departmentof Education.

If the state legislature approves the FY 2009 educationbudget, the funding would provide for 174 new coachesand sustain the existing 26 for a total of 200 graduation coachesin 2009.

New Graduation Coaches Making aDifference in the Classroom

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STATE SUPERINTENDENT DR. JOE MORTON refersto her as “the godmother of reading.”

Now, after more than 28 years with the AlabamaDepartment of Education, DR. KATHERINE MITCHELL stepsdown as Assistant State Superintendent of Education for theAlabama Reading Initiative (ARI) and she is going out atthe top of her game.

“Mitchell will forever be remembered as the womanwho turned around reading in Alabama,” said StateSuperintendent of Education DDRR.. JJOOEE MMOORRTTOONN. “I thinkshe has given her love for reading to all of the children ofthe state of Alabama,” Morton added.

Mitchell spearheaded the ARI in 1998 for K-3 schools,and in 2006, the program celebrated success with its finalphase of implementation in Grades K-3 in all public schoolsin Alabama. The goal of ARI is 100 percent literacy for allpublic school students. In 2007, ARI expanded to Grades4-9 with the pilot program ARI-PAL (Project forAdolescent Literacy) and was implemented in 14 schoolsacross the state.

Another indication of ARI’s success occurred in 2007when Alabama’s fourth-grade students scored eight pointshigher in reading on the National Assessment forEducational Progress (NAEP) test than on the 2005 test(NAEP is given once every two years).

This was the largest gain in fourth-grade reading inNAEP history, making Alabama number one in the nationin reading improvements at the fourth-grade level for 2007.

Family, friends, co-workers, and education dignitariesgathered for Mitchell’s retirement party in December at theDepartment of Education. “I feel it’s time to start the nextphase of my life, and I look forward to that next phase,”Mitchell told the audience. “I am feeling grateful for acareer that is a perfect fit: I love to teach, I love to help, andI love to solve problems.”

SHERRILL PARRIS, who directs the Alabama ReadingInitiative, succeeds the retiring Dr. Katherine Mitchell asAssistant State Superintendent for Reading.

SDE says Farewell to AlabamaReading Initiative Icon

Record Numbers of Alabama TeachersEarn National Board CertificationTEACHING QUALITY IN ALABAMA CLASSROOMS made asubstantial gain in 2007 with 226 state teachers achievingNational Board Certification – a 33 percent increase over last yearaccording to the National Board for Professional TeachingStandards (NBPTS). Alabama ranks 12th nationwide in thenumber of new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs).

The addition of the 2007 class brings Alabama’s total numberof NBCTs to 1,329. They join Alabama’s 2007-2008 Teacher ofthe Year PAMELA HARMAN and nearly 64,000 teachers nationwidewho exhibit the teaching profession’s highest standards asNational Board Certified Teachers.

Alabama’s financial commitment to the program providesmoney to pay the $2,500 application fee for candidates and a$5,000 annual salary supplement. Also, first-year NBCTs receivea one-time $5,000 classroom bonus.

“Achieving national board certification demonstrates a truededication to the profession of teaching and most importantlydedication to students,” said State Superintendent of EducationDR. JOE MORTON. “These teachers are making positive changesin the classroom, which results in better students that improveour school systems and education communities.”

National Board Certification, developed by teachers, withteachers, and for teachers, is a symbol of professional teachingexcellence. Offered on a voluntary basis, it complements, notreplaces, state licensing. While state licensing systems setentry-level standards for beginning teachers, National BoardCertification has established advanced standards for experienced teachers.

The NBPTS, celebrating its 20th anniversary, was founded in1987 as an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, and non-governmental organization. Its mission is to establish high andrigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should knowand be able to do and to raise the level of teaching excellence inclassrooms across America. The NBPTS hopes to reach a goal of250,000 NBCTs by its 25th anniversary in 2012.

For a listing of Alabama’s 2007 National Board CertifiedTeachers and more information on National Board Certificationor the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, visitthe NBPTS Web site at www.nbpts.org.

149169

226

2005

151

2004200320022001 2006 2007

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ALABAMA TEACHERSACHIEVING NATIONALBOARD CERTIFICATION[BY YEAR]

Celebrate Black History Month in FebruaryALABAMA IS THOUGHT BY MANY to be the most historically significant state in America in terms of the plight for civilrights and human equality. As America recognizes Black History Month, museums, institutes, and other locations are available allacross the state to help educate tomorrow’s leaders on the struggles and achievements of yesterday. Below is a listing of just someof the locations educators might be interested in taking students next month.

Alabama Civil Rights Freedom Farm Museum l Mantua Phone: 205-372-3446 l 205-826-6684

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute l Birmingham Phone: 205-328-9696 l Toll Free: 866-328-9696 l www.bcri.org

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church l Birmingham Phone: 205-251-9402

Rosa Parks Museum and Children’s Wing l MontgomeryPhone: 334-241-8615 l Toll Free: 800-357-8843 xt.661www.troy.edu

Civil Rights Memorial and Memorial Center l Montgomery Phone: 334-956-8200 l www.splcenter.org

National Center for the Study of Civil Rights & AfricanAmerican Culture at Alabama State University l MontgomeryPhone: 334-229-4824 l www.lib.alasu.edu

The Dexter Parsonage Museum l Montgomery Phone: 334-261-3270 l www.dexterkingmemorial.org

Edmund Winston Pettus Bridge l Selma Phone: 334-875-7241 l Toll Free: 800-45-SELMAwww.SelmaAlabama.com

National Voting Rights Museum & Institute l Selma Phone: 334-418-0800 l www.votingrightsmuseum.org

Slavery & Civil War Museum l Selma l Phone: 334-418-4889

Lincoln Museum l MarionPhone: 334-683-9622 l www.marionalabama.org/lincoln

Lowndes County Interpretive Center l HaynevillePhone: 334-877-1984

Murphy African-American Museum l TuscaloosaPhone: 205-758-2861

Oak Grove School l Rosenwald l Phone: 334-289-1952

Safe House Black History Museum l Greensboro Phone: 334-624-4228

State Black Archives Research Center & Museum l HuntsvillePhone: 256-372-5846 l http://my.aamu.edu

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site l Tuskegee Phone: 334-724-0922 l www.nps.gov/tuai

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Information obtained from: 2007 Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel

THE NATIONAL SCIENCETEACHERS ASSOCIATION (NSTA),the largest professional organization inthe world promoting excellence andinnovation in science teaching andlearning, held its Southern AreaConference on Science Education inBirmingham, December 6-8, 2007.

Held in conjunction with theAlabama Science Teachers Association(ASTA), the three-day, professionaldevelopment conference was held at theBirmingham-Jefferson ConventionComplex and other local venues.Designed to enhance and expandprofessional growth and providenetworking forums for science educators,the conference featured hundreds ofhands-on workshops; presentationsabout the latest breakthroughs in

science; and demonstrations coveringevery discipline, grade level, andteaching focus. Teachers discussedpopular issues, including the teaching ofglobal climate change and evolution; theNo Child Left Behind Act; virtuallaboratory science; and science literacy.

In addition, attendees heard aboutthe hottest topics in science educationfrom renowned speakers, includingDR. KATHRYN C. THORNTON, formerNASA astronaut and associate dean forgraduate programs at the University ofVirginia, and JAMES B. MCCLINTOCK,endowed university professor of polarand marine biology at the University ofAlabama, Birmingham.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 8A L A B A M A E D U C A T I O N N E W S

Science TeachersFrom Across theNation Flock toBirmingham for

NSTA’s 2007Southern Area

Conference

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THE PROVEN character-building power of the Civil Air Patrol’sCadet Program for youth 12-21 years old has been expanded toinclude a Junior Cadet Program for elementary school-aged childrennationwide. The inspirational message of the program is “Like theflight of the boomerang, the choices made today will come back toyou tomorrow.”

A “liftoff” celebration for the new Junior Cadet Pilot Programwas held October 26 at Boaz High School’s football stadium inBoaz. Approximately 300 teachers and 7,000 students in 20 public,private, and parochial schools in Alabama, Florida,Pennsylvania, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, andPuerto Rico are field-testing the program thisschool year. The Junior Cadet Program will be available to allelementary schools in fall 2008.

The Junior Cadet Program will provide elementary studentswith an introduction to vital life skills – character education,academics with an aerospace emphasis, leadership opportunities, andphysical fitness. Designed by educators, it incorporates fun, hands-on activities with national standards-based lesson plans that can beintegrated throughout the curriculum.

As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil AirPatrol developed this new program to augment CAP’s SchoolEnrichment Program (SEP) for middle and high school students, aswell as the Air Force Junior ROTC program. The Air ForceAssociation’s Montgomery, Alabama, Chapter 102 is providingpartnership sponsorship while using the Junior CadetProgram and mascot as an outreach initiative for localelementary schools.

“The CAP SEP for America's middle and highschools is playing a major role in improvingstudent opportunity and responsibilitynationwide,” said COL. AL APPLEBAUM, CAPSEP national director. “Teachers report betterattendance, better test scores, and lowerincidences of behavioral problems. With theaddition of this elementary Junior CadetProgram, it is anticipated that thesebenefits will begin at the early ages andwill only magnify in building betteryouth for tomorrow.”

State Board Member: David F. Byers, Jr. – District 6Superintendent: Mr. Leland DishmanPrincipal: Mr. Arnold L. Smith, BoazHigh School

MARY BETH PUGH is Alabama’s2007 Preserve America Elementary(Grades K-6) History Teacher of theYear. Pugh, a fifth-grade socialstudies teacher at Bluff ParkElementary School in the HooverCity School System, has taught since1992. She earned a BS and MS in

Elementary Education from the University of NorthAlabama and The University of Alabama respectively.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American Historysponsors this annual award to honor outstandingteachers of American history and to recognize thecrucial importance of American history education. A History Teacher of the Year is selected from each ofthe 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense, and United States Territories. As a statewinner, Pugh receives a $1,000 honorarium and is afinalist for National Preserve America History Teacherof the Year. Bluff Park Elementary School receives anarchive of history books and materials named in honorof their winning teacher.

Winners are chosen based on the following criteria:• At least three years of classroom experience in

teaching American history in elementary school• A deep career commitment to teaching American

history, which includes local and state history• Evidence of creativity and imagination in the

classroom that addresses literacy and content beyondstate standards

• Close attention to primary documents, artifacts,historic sites, and other primary materials of history,

including oral history• Evidence of thoughtful assessment of student

achievementPugh represented Alabama at thecompetition for National PreserveAmerica History Teacher of the Year inWashington, D.C., last fall.

State Board of Education Member: Dr. Ethel H. Hall – District 4Hoover City Schools Superintendent: Mr. Andy Craig

Bluff Park Elementary School Principal:Dr. David Fancher

2007 Preserve America HistoryTeacher of the Year Announced

Civil Air Patrol’s Junior Cadet ProgramReadies National Launch in Alabama

MYIA HATCHETT FROM BOAZ POSES WITH

THE CAP CADET PROGRAM’S MASCOT.

G O O D N E W S I N A L A B A M A S C H O O L S

Future Fisherman Foundation’s Physh Ed National Fishing and Boating Grants Initiative provides $2,500 grants to qualified PEteachers to implement fishing and boating units in their K-12 physical education (PE) classes. Apply online or e-mail Anne Danielskior call 703-519-9691, x254. DEADLINE: Jan. 21, 2008

Nominate a Young Hero for the Alabama Public Television (APT) 2007 Alabama Young Heroes Awards. Five students are selectedfor their courage, determination, volunteerism, and commitment to excellence. Nominate a deserving student online or call APT,800-239-5233, ext. 152. DEADLINE: Jan. 25, 2008.

2008-2009 Alabama Teacher of the Year application is online. For more information, e-mail Ann Starks or call 334-242-9702.DEADLINE: Jan. 28, 2008

Alabama Elementary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) Economics Teachers of the Year are classroom teachers who have madeoutstanding contributions to the teaching of economics. The Alabama Council on Economic Education awards $1,000 to each teacher.CLICK HERE or call Toll Free: 866-326-0585. DEADLINE: Mar. 14, 2008

Nominate a Kid Who Cares. Kohl’s is offering youth volunteers ages 6 to 18 the opportunity to win a $5,000 college scholarship.The scholarships are awarded to youth who have excelled as community volunteers. For more information, visit your local store orCLICK HERE. DEADLINE: Mar. 15, 2008

The Legacy Project’s Annual Listen to a Life Essay Contest provides for meaningful conversations between youth and older adultsthat can result in positive experiences for both. The organization also sponsors several other contests and provides resources thatencourage connections across generations. CLICK HERE for information. DEADLINE: Mar. 31, 2008Aw

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 8A L A B A M A E D U C A T I O N N E W S

SINCE 2004, teachers, students, andtop business professionals statewide havecome together each year to celebrate anew tradition – Alabama Career andTechnical Education (CTE) Month,February 1-29.

SHERRY KEY, Director of AlabamaCareer and Technical Education, says,“Our students explore their careeroptions in more than 300 courses offeredstatewide, earn advanced diplomas, andreceive college credit while still in highschool. CTE Month is a great time forAlabamians to visit our programs to seeall of the hands-on learning taking placein our classrooms.”

According to the Association forCareer and Technical Education (ACTE),

research shows that many of the country’sfastest-growing occupations now requirethe technical, communication, and time-management skills taught in America’sCTE programs. Research also shows that

among high school graduates enteringthe workforce, those with a technicaleducation background often earn morethan those without it. Currently, one outof every two high school students inAlabama participates in a CTE program

“Many consider our state’s CTEprogram to be one of the mostforward-thinking in America,” saidState Superintendent of EducationDR. JOE MORTON. “Rapid changes inthe structure, nature, and requirementsof today’s work environment have placednew responsibilities on our nation’seducational system. Alabama’s career andtechnical program is committed torecruiting highly qualified and focusededucators who are dedicated to ensuring

that no child will be left behind.”In December, two Alabama CTE

educators, JUDY BROWN and MARK

RAINES, both won two differentprestigious national teaching awards.

Brown, a National Board Certifiedteacher, was named the 2008 ACTENational Teacher of the Year. Raines wasnamed this year’s national OutstandingNew Career and Technical Teacher.This is the only time in recent historythat two different teachers from the samestate have been named ACTE’s nationalteachers during the same year.

To learn more about Alabama CTEMonth or any of the special CTE Monthcelebration activities taking place in yourcommunity, contact your local Board ofEducation; CLICK HERE; or contactCTE Information Specialist, ED CRENSHAW, at 334-353-5220.

Celebration Highlights 21st Century Learning

Alabama’s CTE students participate inprograms of study in the following areas:

• Agriscience Education• Business/Marketing Education• Family and Consumer Sciences

Education (FACS)• Health Science Education• Technical Education• Career Technologies Education• Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG)

CURRENTLY, ONE OUT OF EVERY TWO ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSPARTICIPATES IN A CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Managing EditorMitch Edwards

EditorMichael O. Sibley

Contributing EditorsEd Crenshaw l Anne P. Graham l Edith Parten

Graphic ArtistsMary Nell Shaw l Charles V. CreelAE

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Alabama Education News (USPS #387-290) is published monthlyexcept for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department ofEducation, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101. Periodicalspostage paid at Montgomery, AL.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alabama Education News,P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101.

Alabama Education News is composed by the Alabama Department ofEducation’s Communication Section and printed by Walker Printing ofMontgomery. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the Code ofAlabama, as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the AlabamaDepartment of Education designed to inform citizens and educators aboutprograms and goals of public education in Alabama.

No person shall be denied employment, be excluded from participationin, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in anyprogram or activity on the basis of disability, sex, race, religion, nationalorigin, color, or age. Ref: Sec. 1983, Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C.; Title VI andVII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504; AgeDiscrimination in Employment Act; Equal Pay Act of 1963; Title IX of theEducation Amendment of 1972: Title IX Coordinator, P.O. Box 302101,Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101 or call (334) 242-8444.

Copies available in Braille or other forms upon request.

ALABAMA

EDUCATION NEWSVOLUME 31 • NO 4 JANUARY 2008

President l Governor Bob Riley

District 1 l Randy McKinney, President Pro Tem, Gulf Shores

District 2 l Betty Peters, Dothan

District 3 l Stephanie W. Bell, Montgomery

District 4 l Ethel H. Hall, Vice President Emerita, Fairfield

District 5 l Ella B. Bell, Montgomery

District 6 l David F. Byers Jr., Vice President, Birmingham

District 7 l Sandra Ray, Tuscaloosa

District 8 l Mary Jane Caylor, Huntsville

State Superintendent of Education and Secretary and Executive Officer of the Alabama Board of Education l Joseph B. MortonAL

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EDITORIAL OFFICE: 334-242-9950E-mail comments and story ideas to: aen@alsde.edu

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE

PAID

F E B R U A R Y

Feb. 3-9 National School Counseling Week

Feb. 10-16 Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

Feb. 14 Alabama State Board of Education Meeting

Feb. 28 Alabama State Board of Education Work Session

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

For a complete list of agenda items, CLICK HERE.

� Resolution Commending Selma City Schools, U.S.Department of Agriculture Best Practice Award

� Resolution in Honor of Dr. Ann Roy Moore,Huntsville City School System, 2008 AlabamaSuperintendent of the Year

� Resolution in Recognition of Bonnie Garrett,Edward White Middle School, Huntsville CitySchool System, 2007 Milken Family FoundationNational Educator Award

� Approval of Assistant State Superintendent ofEducation for Reading

Jan. 1 New Year’s Day

Jan. 10 Alabama State Board of Education Meeting

Jan. 14 - 18 Special Education Week

Jan. 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. / Robert E. Lee Birthday

Jan. 24 Alabama State Board of Education Work Session

NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD MONTH

J A N U A R Y